Aldi USA Names New COO

For the second time in less than two months, Aldi USA has named a new member of its executive leadership team.

Karla Waddleton has been named the grocer’s chief operating officer. Most recently serving as a vice president with the Batavia, Illinois-based company, Waddleton joined Aldi in 2001 and has served in several positions, according to her LinkedIn profile.

From 2001 to 2006, she served as a district manager based in St. Louis, and then moved to Dallas/Fort Worth, where she served as director of real estate & development from 2006 to 2012.

In 2012, Waddleton was named director of store operations, and two years later was promoted to vice president.

“I am honored and thrilled to take on the role of chief operating officer,” she wrote in a post on LinkedIn. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to grow alongside an extraordinary team committed to our mission.”

Atty McGrath, incoming CEO of Aldi USA, said of Waddleton’s appointment, “Karla’s extensive experience and commitment to our mission have been instrumental in our success thus far. I am excited to see how her leadership will help us continue to build momentum and enhance our operations.”

In late May, McGrath was named CEO to replace Jason Hart, who was named to the executive board of Aldi South as group chief operating officer. During her 20-year career with Aldi, McGrath has held a variety of roles, including district manager, director of operations, division vice president, and, most recently, COO. She will officially step into her new role on Sept. 1.